Revelation 1:16
Verse
Context
Sermons
T. Austin-Sparks
C.H. Spurgeon
Andrew Strom
Chuck SmithChuck Smith
Ian MurraySvend ChristensenSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
In his right hand seven stars - The stars are afterwards interpreted as representing the seven angels, messengers, or bishops of the seven Churches. Their being in the right hand of Christ shows that they are under his special care and most powerful protection. See below. Out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword - This is no doubt intended to point out the judgments about to be pronounced by Christ against the rebellious Jews and persecuting Romans; God's judgments were just now going to fall upon both. The sharp two-edged sword may represent the word of God in general, according to that saying of the apostle, Heb 4:12 : The word of God is quick and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, etc. And the word of God is termed the sword of the Spirit, Eph 6:17. And his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength - His face was like the disk of the sun in the brightest summer's day, when there were no clouds to abate the splendor of his rays. A similar form of expression is found in Jdg 5:31 : Let them that love him be as the sun when he Goeth Forth in His Might. And a similar description may be found, Midrash in Yalcut Simeoni, part I., fol. 55, 4: "When Moses and Aaron came and stood before Pharaoh, they appeared like the ministering angels; and their stature, like the cedars of Lebanon: - וגלגלי עיניהם דומים לגלגלי חמה vegalgilley eyneyhem domim legalgilley chammah, and the pupils of their eyes were like the wheels of the sun; and their beards were as the grape of the palm trees; וזיו פניהם כזיו חמה veziv peneyhem keziv chammah, and the Splendor of Their Faces was as the Splendor of the Sun."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
he had--Greek, "having." John takes up the description from time to time, irrespective of the construction, with separate strokes of the pencil [ALFORD]. in . . . right hand seven stars-- (Rev 1:20; Rev 2:1; Rev 3:1). He holds them as a star-studded "crown of glory," or "royal diadem," in His hand: so Isa 62:3. He is their Possessor and Upholder. out of . . . mouth went--Greek, "going forth"; not wielded in the hand. His WORD is omnipotent in executing His will in punishing sinners. It is the sword of His Spirit. Reproof and punishment, rather than its converting winning power, is the prominent point. Still, as He encourages the churches, as well as threatens, the former quality of the Word is not excluded. Its two edges (back and front) may allude to its double efficacy, condemning some, converting others. TERTULLIAN [Epistle against Judaizers], takes them of the Old and the New Testaments. RICHARD OF ST. VICTOR, "the Old Testament cutting externally our carnal, the New Testament internally, our spiritual sins." sword--Greek, "romphaia," the Thracian long and heavy broad sword: six times in Revelation, once only elsewhere in New Testament, namely, Luk 2:35. sun . . . in his strength--in unclouded power. So shall the righteous shine, reflecting the image of the Sun of righteousness. TRENCH notices that this description, sublime as a purely mental conception, would be intolerable if we were to give it an outward form. With the Greeks, Ã&brvbrsthecial taste was the first consideration, to which all others must give way. With the Hebrews, truth and the full representation ideally of the religious reality were the paramount consideration, that representation being designed not to be outwardly embodied, but to remain a purely mental conception. This exalting of the essence above the form marks their deeper religious earnestness.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he had in his right hand seven stars,.... The angels or pastors of the seven churches, Rev 1:20. The ministers of the Gospel are compared to stars, because of their efficient cause, God, who has made them, and fixed them in their proper place, and for his glory; and because of the matter of them, being the same with the heavens, so ministers are of the same nature with the churches; and because of their form, light, which they receive from the sun, so preachers of the Gospel receive their light from Christ; and because of their multitude and variety, so the ministers of the Gospel are many, and their gifts different; and chiefly for their usefulness, to give light to others, to direct to Christ, and point out the way of salvation, and to rule over the churches: nor was it unusual with the Jews to compare good men to stars, and to the seven stars. The Targumist (r) says, the seven lamps in the candlestick answer to the seven stars to which the righteous are like. These are led and held in Christ's right hand; which shows that they are dear unto him, and highly valued by him; that they are his, in his possession, at his dispose, whom he uses as his instruments to do his work; and whom he upholds and sustains, that they shall not sink under their burdens; and whom he preserves from failing, and so holds them that they shall stand fast in the faith, and not be carried away with the error of the wicked: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword; which designs the word of God; see Eph 6:17; This comes out of the mouth of Christ, it is the word of God, and not of man; and is a sharp sword, contains sharp reproofs for sin, severe threatenings against it, and gives cutting convictions of it, and is a twoedged one; and by its two edges may be meant law and Gospel; the law lays open the sins of men, fills with grief and anguish for them, yea, not only wounds, but kills; and the Gospel cuts down the best in man, his wisdom, holiness, righteousness, and carnal privileges, in which he trusts; and the worst in man, teaching him to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts: or the word of God may be so called, because it is a means both of saving and of destroying; it is the savour of life unto life to some, and the savour of death unto death to others; and is both an offensive and defensive weapon; it is for the defence of the saints, against Satan, false teachers, and every other enemy; and an offensive one to them, which cuts them down, and destroys them and their principles: or this may mean the judiciary sentence of Christ upon the wicked, which will be a fighting against them, and a smiting of the nations of the world; see Rev 2:16; which the Jews interpret of the law (s): and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength; at noonday; such was the countenance of Christ at his transfiguration, Mat 17:2; and designs here the manifestation of himself in the glories of his person, and in the riches of his grace; who is the sun of righteousness that arises upon his people with light, heat, joy, and comfort; see the phrase in Jdg 5:31, which the Jewish writers understand of the strength of the sun both in the summer solstice, and in the middle of the day, or at noon, at which time its heat is strongest, and it usually shines brightest; the design of the metaphor is to set forth the glory and majesty of Christ, (r) Jonathan ben Uzziel in Exod. xl. 4. (s) Yalkut Simeoni, par. 2. fol. 95. 4. & 131. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:16 The seven stars represent the complete church. The church is secure in the right hand (i.e., in the acceptance and blessing) of the Son of Man. • The sharp . . . sword coming from his mouth is his effective message and his judgment (see 19:15; Gen 3:24; Eph 6:17; Heb 4:12). Jesus proclaims both grace and judgment, but here the emphasis is that he carries out judgment (see Rev 2:12, 16; 19:15, 21; cp. Isa 11:4).
Revelation 1:16
John’s Vision on Patmos
15His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and His voice was like the roar of many waters.16He held in His right hand seven stars, and a sharp double-edged sword came from His mouth. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Burning Fire of the Spirit - Part 2
By T. Austin-Sparks5.8K46:23Holy SpiritMAT 26:31JHN 13:1REV 1:12REV 1:16REV 2:4REV 2:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the book of Revelation as the revelation of Jesus Christ, rather than just the revelation of John the Divine. The book is seen as a judgment of everything in the light of Jesus Christ. The speaker also highlights the need to avoid the deadly effect of formality and routine in our spiritual lives, and instead seek the freshness and life of the Holy Spirit. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the burning testimony of the Holy Spirit that it is only through Christ's covering that we can stand before God.
A Portrait No Artist Can Paint
By C.H. Spurgeon4.8K40:35MAT 5:14JHN 3:19REV 1:16The sermon transcript discusses the description of Jesus Christ as seen by John in the isle of Patmos. It emphasizes the impossibility of capturing the glory of Christ's face through any form of art. The sermon highlights the detestable nature of worshiping images of Christ, as it goes against the divine purpose. It also emphasizes the power of Christ's words, likening them to a sharp two-edged sword that can penetrate the hearts and minds of individuals. The sermon concludes by mentioning that Christ's presence brings purification and separation, separating the chaff from the wheat.
Pray Along With Agonizing Prayer
By Andrew Strom3.8K43:16Agonizing PrayerPSA 80:18HAB 1:13MAT 24:10REV 1:16REV 2:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for revival and urges the audience to pray for it. They express concern that if people simply go back to their normal lives after a powerful experience, the current generation will be lost. The speaker calls for fervent and agonizing prayer, both individually and in small groups, as they believe that this kind of prayer cannot be regained once lost. They also pray for America's awakening, for preachers who preach righteousness, and for the raising up of intercessors. The sermon references biblical passages that warn of false prophets, increasing wickedness, and the need for standing firm in faith. The speaker concludes by urging people to live holy lives as a form of worship and to preach repentance to their families.
(Through the Bible) Revelation 10-12
By Chuck Smith2.3K1:21:23Through The BibleACT 14:192CO 12:7JAS 5:72PE 3:3REV 1:16REV 5:1REV 10:5REV 10:8REV 11:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes how nature reveals the glory of God and serves as a means for humans to come to know Him. He distinguishes between rational and irrational individuals, stating that rational people recognize God as the creator of nature, while irrational people worship nature itself. The preacher then shifts to discussing the book of Revelation, specifically focusing on the description of Jesus in chapter one. He mentions the scroll with seven seals, which represents the title deed to the earth and reveals God's intended purpose for the earth and humanity. The sermon concludes by mentioning the upcoming seven-year period for Israel and the sending of two witnesses, including Elijah, as prophesied in the book of Malachi.
(Through the Bible) Revelation 2-3
By Chuck Smith2.1K55:54Through The BibleMAT 6:33JHN 8:39REV 1:16REV 2:2REV 2:9REV 3:14REV 3:17In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Revelation and its three sections. The first section, "the things which are," refers to the present state of the church. The second section, "the things which will be after these things," will be explored in the next sermon. The speaker emphasizes the importance of listening to what the Spirit is saying to the church and seeking God's truth. The sermon also touches on the need for love in the church and the danger of losing one's first love. The speaker encourages repentance and warns of the consequences of losing God's presence. The sermon concludes with a discussion of the deeds of the Nicolaotans, which are condemned by God.
Conditions for Powerful Preaching
By Ian Murray1.5K49:52REV 1:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of reading and understanding the word of God. He encourages spending a significant amount of time each day reading useful books to develop a taste for reading. The speaker also discusses the need for a true understanding of salvation and the power of preaching. He highlights the importance of ministers delivering the word with passion and dependence on God. The sermon concludes with a reminder that preaching should not be judged by its length, but rather by its impact on the congregation's spiritual hunger.
Studies in Song of Solomon 03 His Mouth Most Sweet
By Svend Christensen74846:29MRK 9:43LUK 13:22CO 7:1REV 1:16REV 19:15REV 19:21In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and authority of God's voice. He refers to Psalm 148:5, which states that God's voice commanded the creation of all things. The preacher also highlights Jesus' teachings on the importance of being ready for the Lord's return, using the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25. He further discusses Jesus' warnings about the days of Noah and Lot, emphasizing the need to live for God and not be consumed by worldly pleasures. The sermon concludes with a reference to the parable of the Good Samaritan, highlighting the importance of showing compassion and helping others.
Fear Not "¦ Be Strong "¦
By Tom Macartney0JOS 1:9ISA 35:3ISA 41:102CO 12:9PHP 4:13REV 1:16Tom Macartney preaches on the recurring theme in the Bible of overcoming fear and weakness as Christians, emphasizing the importance of being strong and fearless in the face of life's challenges. He delves into various instances in the Bible where God reassures His people with the words 'Fear not', highlighting the need for faith and trust in God's promises. The sermon also explores the connection between 'Fear not' and 'Be strong', emphasizing that spiritual strength comes from faith and reliance on God's power. Ultimately, the key to fearlessness and strength lies in the known presence of the Lord with His people.
The Sword in the Shadow
By Allan Halton0ISA 27:1ISA 34:5ISA 49:1JHN 16:131CO 12:12EPH 6:17HEB 4:12REV 1:16REV 2:12Allan Halton emphasizes the danger of spiritual dullness caused by information overload, urging believers to carefully and prayerfully engage with God's Word to avoid becoming desensitized. He highlights the power of the spoken word, drawing from Isaiah's prophecy about Christ and the corporate entity of believers as a sharp sword in God's hand. Halton underscores the importance of believers yielding to the Spirit to become instruments of God's powerful sword, purifying the Church, impacting heavenly realms, and confronting spiritual adversaries with divine authority.
Holiness Triumphant
By Martin Knapp0MAT 3:2ACT 1:82CO 5:201TH 5:16REV 1:5REV 1:10REV 1:16REV 1:18Martin Knapp preaches about the significance of holiness in the lives of believers, emphasizing their dependence on Christ for salvation and the need to give glory to Him for rescuing them from sin through His precious blood. Holiness people are described as a kingdom that has forsaken sin, received an unshakeable kingdom, and welcomed the reign of Christ within their souls through the baptism with the Holy Ghost. They are called to be priests who proclaim the truth and intercede for others, giving all glory to Christ. True holiness leads believers to say 'Amen' to God's will, anticipate the return of Jesus, and embrace perfect patience, loyalty, and sympathy within the family of God.
Spiritual Sleepwalkers
By A.W. Tozer0PRO 18:10ROM 8:51CO 1:18EPH 3:162TI 1:7HEB 1:3REV 1:16REV 3:8Gary Demarest, in his sermon, emphasizes the importance of discipline or 'sound mind' (sophronismos) as a saved mind that is self-controlled, disciplined, and properly prioritized. This sound-mindedness in action is marked by sobriety, sound judgment, and prudence, contrasting with a mindset of excessive self-indulgence. Paul reminds Timothy that God has given us the power to keep ourselves in check and free from excitement, reflecting a spirit of self-control. Various commentators like William MacDonald, Guy King, and J. Vernon McGee further elaborate on the significance of discipline in maintaining a sensibly minded and balanced life.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
In his right hand seven stars - The stars are afterwards interpreted as representing the seven angels, messengers, or bishops of the seven Churches. Their being in the right hand of Christ shows that they are under his special care and most powerful protection. See below. Out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword - This is no doubt intended to point out the judgments about to be pronounced by Christ against the rebellious Jews and persecuting Romans; God's judgments were just now going to fall upon both. The sharp two-edged sword may represent the word of God in general, according to that saying of the apostle, Heb 4:12 : The word of God is quick and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, etc. And the word of God is termed the sword of the Spirit, Eph 6:17. And his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength - His face was like the disk of the sun in the brightest summer's day, when there were no clouds to abate the splendor of his rays. A similar form of expression is found in Jdg 5:31 : Let them that love him be as the sun when he Goeth Forth in His Might. And a similar description may be found, Midrash in Yalcut Simeoni, part I., fol. 55, 4: "When Moses and Aaron came and stood before Pharaoh, they appeared like the ministering angels; and their stature, like the cedars of Lebanon: - וגלגלי עיניהם דומים לגלגלי חמה vegalgilley eyneyhem domim legalgilley chammah, and the pupils of their eyes were like the wheels of the sun; and their beards were as the grape of the palm trees; וזיו פניהם כזיו חמה veziv peneyhem keziv chammah, and the Splendor of Their Faces was as the Splendor of the Sun."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
he had--Greek, "having." John takes up the description from time to time, irrespective of the construction, with separate strokes of the pencil [ALFORD]. in . . . right hand seven stars-- (Rev 1:20; Rev 2:1; Rev 3:1). He holds them as a star-studded "crown of glory," or "royal diadem," in His hand: so Isa 62:3. He is their Possessor and Upholder. out of . . . mouth went--Greek, "going forth"; not wielded in the hand. His WORD is omnipotent in executing His will in punishing sinners. It is the sword of His Spirit. Reproof and punishment, rather than its converting winning power, is the prominent point. Still, as He encourages the churches, as well as threatens, the former quality of the Word is not excluded. Its two edges (back and front) may allude to its double efficacy, condemning some, converting others. TERTULLIAN [Epistle against Judaizers], takes them of the Old and the New Testaments. RICHARD OF ST. VICTOR, "the Old Testament cutting externally our carnal, the New Testament internally, our spiritual sins." sword--Greek, "romphaia," the Thracian long and heavy broad sword: six times in Revelation, once only elsewhere in New Testament, namely, Luk 2:35. sun . . . in his strength--in unclouded power. So shall the righteous shine, reflecting the image of the Sun of righteousness. TRENCH notices that this description, sublime as a purely mental conception, would be intolerable if we were to give it an outward form. With the Greeks, Ã&brvbrsthecial taste was the first consideration, to which all others must give way. With the Hebrews, truth and the full representation ideally of the religious reality were the paramount consideration, that representation being designed not to be outwardly embodied, but to remain a purely mental conception. This exalting of the essence above the form marks their deeper religious earnestness.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he had in his right hand seven stars,.... The angels or pastors of the seven churches, Rev 1:20. The ministers of the Gospel are compared to stars, because of their efficient cause, God, who has made them, and fixed them in their proper place, and for his glory; and because of the matter of them, being the same with the heavens, so ministers are of the same nature with the churches; and because of their form, light, which they receive from the sun, so preachers of the Gospel receive their light from Christ; and because of their multitude and variety, so the ministers of the Gospel are many, and their gifts different; and chiefly for their usefulness, to give light to others, to direct to Christ, and point out the way of salvation, and to rule over the churches: nor was it unusual with the Jews to compare good men to stars, and to the seven stars. The Targumist (r) says, the seven lamps in the candlestick answer to the seven stars to which the righteous are like. These are led and held in Christ's right hand; which shows that they are dear unto him, and highly valued by him; that they are his, in his possession, at his dispose, whom he uses as his instruments to do his work; and whom he upholds and sustains, that they shall not sink under their burdens; and whom he preserves from failing, and so holds them that they shall stand fast in the faith, and not be carried away with the error of the wicked: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword; which designs the word of God; see Eph 6:17; This comes out of the mouth of Christ, it is the word of God, and not of man; and is a sharp sword, contains sharp reproofs for sin, severe threatenings against it, and gives cutting convictions of it, and is a twoedged one; and by its two edges may be meant law and Gospel; the law lays open the sins of men, fills with grief and anguish for them, yea, not only wounds, but kills; and the Gospel cuts down the best in man, his wisdom, holiness, righteousness, and carnal privileges, in which he trusts; and the worst in man, teaching him to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts: or the word of God may be so called, because it is a means both of saving and of destroying; it is the savour of life unto life to some, and the savour of death unto death to others; and is both an offensive and defensive weapon; it is for the defence of the saints, against Satan, false teachers, and every other enemy; and an offensive one to them, which cuts them down, and destroys them and their principles: or this may mean the judiciary sentence of Christ upon the wicked, which will be a fighting against them, and a smiting of the nations of the world; see Rev 2:16; which the Jews interpret of the law (s): and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength; at noonday; such was the countenance of Christ at his transfiguration, Mat 17:2; and designs here the manifestation of himself in the glories of his person, and in the riches of his grace; who is the sun of righteousness that arises upon his people with light, heat, joy, and comfort; see the phrase in Jdg 5:31, which the Jewish writers understand of the strength of the sun both in the summer solstice, and in the middle of the day, or at noon, at which time its heat is strongest, and it usually shines brightest; the design of the metaphor is to set forth the glory and majesty of Christ, (r) Jonathan ben Uzziel in Exod. xl. 4. (s) Yalkut Simeoni, par. 2. fol. 95. 4. & 131. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:16 The seven stars represent the complete church. The church is secure in the right hand (i.e., in the acceptance and blessing) of the Son of Man. • The sharp . . . sword coming from his mouth is his effective message and his judgment (see 19:15; Gen 3:24; Eph 6:17; Heb 4:12). Jesus proclaims both grace and judgment, but here the emphasis is that he carries out judgment (see Rev 2:12, 16; 19:15, 21; cp. Isa 11:4).